Details for: CL0000242

Cell ID: CL0000242

Cell Name: Merkel cell

Marker Score Threshold: 465
(Derived using integrated single-cell and genomic data)

Description: A modified epidermal cell located in the stratum basale. They are found mostly in areas where sensory perception is acute. Merkel cells are closely associated with an expanded terminal bulb of an afferent myelinated nerve fiber.

Synonyms: Merkel's cell

Genes (max top 100)

(Marker Score score is uniquely calculated using our advanced thresholding algorithms to reveal cell-specific gene markers)

  • Gene Symbol: CTSD (ENSG00000117984)
    Fold Change: 1.9
    Ensembl ID: ENSG00000117984
  • Gene Symbol: CTSB (ENSG00000164733)
    Fold Change: 1.43
    Ensembl ID: ENSG00000164733
Hovered Details

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Hovered Details

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**Key Characteristics** * Modified epidermal cells * Located in the stratum basale * Found primarily in areas of acute sensory perception * Closely associated with an expanded terminal bulb of an afferent myelinated nerve fiber * Express CTSD and CTSB genes * Involved in mechanoreception and sensory processing * Implicated in skin disorders, including epidermal growth factor receptor mutations and Merkel cell carcinoma **Clinical Significance** Merkel cells have been implicated in various skin disorders, including: * **Epidemiology of Merkel Cell Carcinoma**: Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer that is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. The disease is associated with mutations in the CTNNB1 gene, which encodes the beta-catenin protein. These mutations lead to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation. * **Dermatological Disorders**: Merkel cells have been implicated in various dermatological disorders, including epidermal growth factor receptor mutations, which can lead to abnormal skin growth and pigmentation. * **Sensory Processing**: Merkel cells are involved in mechanoreception and sensory processing, and abnormalities in these cells have been linked to sensory disorders, such as numbness and tingling. * **Immunological Significance**: Merkel cells have been shown to express various immune-related genes, including those involved in antigen processing and presentation, suggesting a role in the immune system. **Gene Expression and Signaling** Merkel cells express various genes involved in cell signaling, including: * **CTSD**: A gene involved in aspartic-type peptidase activity and collagen degradation. * **CTS B**: A gene involved in collagen binding and degradation. * **CTNNB1**: A gene involved in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and tumor formation. * **IGF1**: A gene involved in insulin-like growth factor signaling and cell proliferation. These genes are involved in various signaling pathways, including: * **Wnt/β-catenin signaling**: A pathway involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. * **Insulin-like growth factor signaling**: A pathway involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. * **Aspartic-type peptidase activity**: A pathway involved in protein processing and degradation. **Pathways and Ontology** Merkel cells are involved in various pathways and ontologies, including: * **Adaptive immune system**: A system involved in specific immune responses to pathogens. * **Antigen processing and presentation**: A process involved in presenting antigens to T-cells for recognition and response. * **Aspartic-type endopeptidase activity**: A process involved in protein processing and degradation. * **Autophagosome assembly**: A process involved in the formation of autophagosomes, which are involved in protein degradation and recycling. In conclusion, Merkel cells are specialized, modified epidermal cells that play a critical role in sensory perception and immune function. Abnormalities in these cells have been linked to various skin disorders, including epidermal growth factor receptor mutations and Merkel cell carcinoma. Further research is needed to fully understand the biology and clinical significance of Merkel cells.